Reciprocal signalling between epidermal stem cells and their neighbours

Using mammalian skin as an experimental model, Professor Watt is identifying the intrinsic and extrinsic signals that regulate stem cell behaviour in adult tissues, and thereby uncovering strategies to treat disease. The focus of her award is reciprocal signalling between epidermal stem cells and cells in the underlying connective tissue, the dermis. Relationships between different dermal cell populations will be elucidated as well as how these cells communicate with epidermal stem cells.